The Pittsburgh Penguins were already going to have their hands full on Thursday night when they hosted the San Jose Sharks, perhaps the best team in the NHL through the first two months of the season.
Evgeni Malkin injury: Penguins center day-to-day with lower body injury
Evgeni Malkin will not play for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night due to a lower body injury.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
It's going to be even more difficult after coach Dan Bylsma announced that center Evgeni Malkin will not play in the game and is listed as day-to-day due to a lower body injury.
Malkin, who is currently second in the NHL scoring race just one point behind Sidney Crosby, had to leave the morning skate after just 10 minutes and did not return.
In 29 games this season Malkin has seven goals and a league-leading 30 assists while his line has been carrying Pittsburgh's offense for a few weeks. He has been on the ice for 34 of Pittsburgh's past 47 goals. In his absence the Penguins will either bump Brandon Sutter up into a top-six role or slide Jussi Jokinen from wing to center.
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